11 mins read

25 Common Items That Will Vanish in the Next Two Decades: Are You Prepared?

ai generated, fireworks, city
Photo by Alexandra_Koch on Pixabay

It’s amazing to consider the commonplace objects that might soon be relics of the past as we speed toward the future. Though we sometimes take for granted the objects we see and use on a daily basis, our needs and practices will change along with technology. This slideshow will take you on a trip through 25 familiar objects you would be surprised to see will probably vanish in the next twenty years. Let’s start right now.

person holding white POS machine
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

1. **Credit and Debit Cards**: You might not realize it yet, but those little pieces of plastic in your wallet are on their way to extinction! Digital payments are quickly taking over, and with apps like Apple Pay and Venmo, it’s clear that convenience is key. Imagine a world where you never have to worry about losing your card or dealing with banks again!

sounds unbelievable **Smartphones** mobile device
sounds unbelievable **Smartphones** mobile device, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY 4.0

2. **Smartphones**: Yes, it sounds unbelievable, but carry a mobile device might soon be a thing of the past. Think about it: these clunky devices can be uncomfortable and cumbersome. The future may see us donning small, connected devices that allow us to perform tasks without a screen or buttons!

imagine relaxing destination vehicle
imagine relaxing destination vehicle, Photo by freerangestock.com, is licensed under CC Zero

3. **Drivers**: The era of the self-driving car is upon us! With companies like Ford and Tesla leading the way, your role as a driver may soon be a thing of the past. Can you imagine relaxing in your vehicle while it takes you to your destination?

traffic, road, vehicles
Photo by aled7 on Pixabay

4. **Traffic Jams**: With the advent of autonomous vehicles, say goodbye to those frustrating traffic jams. These cars could reduce road congestion, allowing for smoother commutes without the stress of getting stuck in slow traffic.

heavy jangling keys smart locks smartphone
heavy jangling keys smart locks smartphone, Photo by squarespace-cdn.com, is licensed under CC Zero

5. **Keys**: Those heavy, jangling keys may soon be replaced by smart locks that use your smartphone for access. You can literally unlock your door with just a few taps—no more digging through your bag!

Black Android Smartphone on Top of White Book
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

6. **Privacy**: We’re living in a time where surveillance is becoming the norm. With biometrics and constant monitoring, your personal privacy may be a luxury of the past. The rise of digital profiling means that anonymity could soon become obsolete!

center stage biometrics Passwords
center stage biometrics Passwords, Photo by fastcompany.com, is licensed under CC Zero

7. **Passwords**: Forget about remembering long strings of characters to access your accounts. Passwords are on their way out as biometrics take center stage. Soon, you’ll use your fingerprint or facial recognition to access everything!

tv, television, retro
Photo by Pexels on Pixabay

8. **Cable Television**: The decline of cable TV has already begun, with streaming services taking the lead. As more viewers cut the cord, cable providers will have to adapt or face extinction!

TV, Television and remote controller – stock photo” by espensorvik is licensed under CC BY 2.0

9. **Remote Controls**: Why press buttons when you can talk? Voice technology is on the rise, making remote controls a potential victim of obsolescence. Soon, your voice may be all you need to operate your devices!

A plastic bag floating in the water
Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash

10. **Plastic Bags**: Thanks to growing environmental awareness, single-use plastic bags are becoming endangered. With bans and alternatives in play, we may soon see a world without them!

white 8 pin lightning cable
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

11. **Charging Cables**: The future is looking wireless, with predictions that charging cables will become a thing of the past. Imagine a world where everything charges without the clutter of cords!

toy cash register, cashier, kids cash register
Photo by Stone_WLP on Pixabay

12. **Checkout Counters and Cashiers**: The rise of technology like Amazon Go hints at a future without traditional checkout. The convenience of simply walking out while your purchases are automatically billed is game-changing!

Kadina Bank Museum. Now closed. A good example of a South Australian two storey limestone bank building.” by denisbin is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

13. **Brick-and-Mortar Banks**: As online banking continues to dominate, physical bank branches may become increasingly rare. Many people already prefer managing their finances from the comfort of their own homes!

machinery, farmer, field tillage
Photo by dendoktoor on Pixabay

14. **Farmers**: With urban sprawl and technological advancements in farming, traditional farming may give way to more automated and industrialized methods. Can you imagine food grown in warehouses instead of vast fields?

Three pairs of glasses sitting on top of a table
Photo by GlassesShop on Unsplash

15. **Eyeglasses**: With advances in surgery and gene editing, the days of needing glasses could soon be behind us. The thought of a world free of vision aids is quite a change! These items may seem commonplace to us now, but they represent a shift in how we engage with the world around us. Change is coming, and it’s coming fast! Are you ready to adapt to a future without these familiar objects?

As we explore the future, it’s not just about the items we’ve grown accustomed to losing. It’s equally fascinating to consider how technological advancements will redefine our interactions, environments, and overall lifestyles. Let’s dive into more everyday items that are likely to fade into the background over the next two decades, highlighting the profound impact of technology on our lives.

beautifies urban landscapes enhances safety reliability
beautifies urban landscapes enhances safety reliability, Photo by miamisprings.com, is licensed under CC Zero

16. **Above-Ground Power Lines**: Imagine driving through a neighborhood without being greeted by a maze of overhead power lines! As cities evolve, many are beginning to bury their power lines underground. This not only beautifies urban landscapes but also enhances safety and reliability. It’s a change that could become commonplace, leading us to a much cleaner and less cluttered view of our cities.

You can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be led. Stan Laurel” by katerha is licensed under CC BY 2.0

17. **Lead Pencils with Erasers**: The age of digital note-taking is upon us. With tablets and stylus pens becoming increasingly popular, traditional lead pencils may soon be a thing of the past. Whether it’s for jotting down notes, sketching, or doodling, electronic devices are making the simple pencil feel obsolete. Imagine a world where the tactile joy of writing is replaced entirely by screens!

1960s Chrysler Turbine car” by Eric Kilby is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

18. **Gasoline-Powered Vehicles**: As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to rise in popularity, gasoline-powered cars are becoming less desirable. With advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, it’s likely that by 2040, the roar of gas engines will be a distant memory. Picture a world filled with quiet, clean-running electric vehicles cruising silently down the streets.

Close-up Photo of Batteries
Photo by Hilary Halliwell on Pexels

19. **Batteries as We Know Them**: The quest for a more sustainable future is leading scientists to explore new forms of energy storage. Traditional batteries may soon be swapped for innovative options. Imagine a future where your devices charge in seconds, or even weeks, without needing to plug in! The energy revolution is just beginning, and it promises to change our relationship with power.

Language translation office” by IITA Image Library is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

20. **Language Barriers**: With real-time translation devices and apps on the rise, communicating across languages might soon be as simple as speaking into a mic. Picture the world transformed into a place where miscommunication due to language differences is a thing of the past! Instant translation could foster a deeper understanding among cultures, making global connections more robust than ever.

man kissing woman on check beside body of water
Photo by Esther Ann on Unsplash

21. **Aids for the Elderly**: Technological innovations enhance the quality of life for the elderly, and everyday items such as walkers and canes may be replaced with smarter devices that assist mobility and monitoring. Imagine smart wearables that not only help seniors walk but also alert caregivers in case of falls or health issues!

a person holding a basket full of money
Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash

22. **Paper Money**: As digital currencies and crypto gain momentum, the familiar rustle of paper bills might soon be gone. Picture a world where transactions are seamless, instantaneous, and all conducted through digital means! The change may initially seem daunting, but it could also simplify our financial dealings and enhance security.

entire library reading habits irreplaceable
entire library reading habits irreplaceable, Photo by freerangestock.com, is licensed under CC Zero

23. **Physical Books**: E-readers and audiobooks are changing how we consume literature. Imagine a world where libraries are filled with tablets instead of physical books. While the scent of paper may be irreplaceable to some, the convenience of carrying an entire library in your pocket could redefine our reading habits.

water buffalo, riding, farm
Photo by sasint on Pixabay

24. **Traditional Farming**: With urbanization and technological advancements, traditional farming practices may give way to automated vertical farms. Visualize a landscape where food is grown in high-tech towers rather than vast fields! This shift could revolutionize food production, making it more efficient and sustainable.

public restroom / Toilette / toilettes publiques” by Eisbäärchen is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

25. **Public Restrooms**: The rise of automated and smart restrooms is transforming how we think about public sanitation. Imagine self-cleaning toilets that monitor usage and maintain hygiene automatically! Innovations in this area could change our approach to cleanliness and public facilities entirely.

familiar comforts mere memories future
familiar comforts mere memories future, Photo by substackcdn.com, is licensed under CC Zero

Looking ahead, the familiar comforts of today can soon fade into simple memories. Consider the speed with which our planet is changing. Let us welcome these developments with enthusiasm and inquiry. Change is inevitable; it’s time for us to adjust and create in hitherto unthinkable ways.

future holds endless possibilities transformations await inventions
future holds endless possibilities transformations await inventions, Photo by vreeman.com, is licensed under CC BY 4.0

There are countless opportunities in the future; who knows what new innovations and metamorphoses we will see? Though it means bidding farewell to some of our beloved daily objects, get ready to greet this new age. The only constant is change; it also brings with it a universe of fresh chances and experiences just around the turn!

Related posts:
11 Common Things That Will Disappear In 25 Years Or Less
15 Things That Will Likely Disappear in the Next 20 Years
20 everyday things that’ll disappear in the next 20 years


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